An advanced multi-layer acrylic panel that looks like glass, Lustrolite from Abacus Manufacturing Group is ideal for heavy-duty vertical applications, such as shower walls kitchen splashbacks in residential and commercial situations.

The product is quick and easy to install and, with its gloss finish, ultra-hygienic, hard-coated non-stick surface, does not harbour mould or calcium; bacterial growth is eliminated.more

Falmec has added an authentic touch of Italian heritage to its new Soffio extractor, which features a distinctive circular canopy constructed from hand blown Murano glass.

Available in either white or amber, the extractor makes a stunning design statement in the kitchen or indeed anywhere in the home. Its subtle lighting, which glows through the coloured Murano glass, also helps to create a warm and relaxing ambience, particularly perfect for entertaining.more

Duravit's new Vero Air retains the iconic, rectangular character of the Vero washbasins whilst introducing the company's patented c-bonded technology - combining the unmistakable character of the original with a new level or precision and perfect proportions.

The straight interior surface and precise edges of the Vero Air washbasins reflect the collection's linear charm.more

New from Binopolis, the Joseph Joseph Titan Compactor Bin 30030 - part of the brand's Intelligent Waste range - effortlessly combines form and function and is the perfect choice for kitchens that are short on space.

The innovative, integrated compaction system compresses the contents so it holds up to three times more than a similar single compartment bin.more

The European Bathroom Forum, a new platform made up of 57 European manufacturers and nine Trade Bodies and associations from the bathroom industry, is promoting the creation of an environmental Water Label for the bathroom space.more

LDL is extending its range of Wesco built-in household bins with the launch of the Pullboy Z with fully assembled Blum Legrabox drawer.

The popular Pullboy Z waste bin system has two separate compartments to facilitate efficient sorting of household rubbish and has previously only been available with Blum Antaro drawers supplied in component form. more

Operating the Geberit AquaClean Mera and Tuma shower toilets is now even simpler, with a new remote control app for smartphones. The remote control app with extra features makes operating the Geberit AquaClean Mera and Tuma shower toilets simpler than ever.

Alongside a simple-to-use control panel and intuitive remote control, the latest Geberit AquaClean shower toilets can also be operated via an app on an Android or Apple smartphone.more

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Having observed washing machines being delivered and even carried upstairs, and seen the sweat (and sometimes blood and tears) that results, I know how heavy they can be. There's never really been a way around the problem, although a friend of mine did try removing the concrete block when moving house, to make the machine lighter.

The only trouble was, he was unable to get it back exactly into place and as secure as it had been originally. As you can perhaps imagine, there was consequently no chance of conversation when the spin programme was running after the move, and adjacent cupboard doors used to sometimes swing open and things wriggle out, and recipe books above would fall over, thanks to the vibration.

As an industry, we've done wonderfully well addressing the 'top-end' considerations regarding our white goods. They're almost personal assistants now, aren't they? As far as I'm aware though, little has been done to address the weight of the machine, when its' very weight is what's needed to keep it stable.

Until now of course...

I'm sure you'll have read in the news, about the team from Nottingham Trent University, which, working with Tochi Tech, has found a way to replace the concrete block (which I understand typically weighs some 25Kg), with a sealable plastic container that is filled with water to stabilise the machine, once the machine is in place.

My first thought was that this is a wonderful idea. There is a downside though, because as concrete is denser than water, the water container will need to be a fair bit bigger than the blocks are, and thus the machines will need to be redesigned to incorporate the extra bulk. Does that mean that drums will have to be smaller as a result, I wonder? Or will machines become bigger (which comes with its own problems)?

The other downside I can see is that the water in the container is going to be heated up and allowed to cool regularly. What effect will this have on its quality - and health & safety, I wonder? And what about those of us living in hard water areas... would that be an issue? If you have any thoughts on this, do please let me know...

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) today announced a partnership with Diesel24, a fuel broker which will be providing members with access to discounted vehicle fuel nationally.

Established in 2013, Diesel24 is a family run business based in Scotland and is one of the fastest growing fuel distributors in the UK. Its customers range from SME's operating single vehicles, to larger companies operating fleets.more

Hoover Candy UK has announced that it will work with independent trade specialist, Yusen Logistics, to provide the best possible service to its independent retail customers, a move in line with its ambition to be the 'supplier of choice'.

Deliveries from across the freestanding, built-in and SDA divisions will be made during opening hours, from 09:00 - 17:00, with Yusen offering full hands-on support at each outlet, ensuring Hoover's independent retailers get an outstanding and specialist service.more

Following extensive feedback as well as market research of retailers, new taller wall units have been added to the Virtu kitchens collection, widening its appeal by increasing storage capacity and allowing a greater variety of configurations to be achieved.

The 900mm tall wall units are available initially in the most popular Virtu styles, Expression Neo White Gloss, with Expression Concept Colour Finishes and Nouveau Concept Colour Finishes available to special order, and can be used in a variety of arrangements with other wall units.more

Summer is on its way and food waste rotting in a wheelie bin, waiting for collection, can attract unwanted pests and produce unpleasant odours. The optimal method to dispose of food waste is to compost, but this is not an option available to everyone.

Despite our best efforts, a small proportion of food waste is inevitable and many of us are faced with the difficulty of sustainably disposing of it.more

Wilsonart UK, one of the largest manufacturers of decorative surfaces, has adopted the internationally recognised Lean Six Sigma techniques to help underpin their Operational Excellence strategy.

Designed to eliminate waste, reduce unwanted variation and improve process flow, Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two powerful methodologies brought together to enhance overall customer experience and value, whilst keeping staff happy and motivated.more

The future is bright for Rotpunkt partners and suppliers in the wake of its final batch of UK training days where attendees completed a series of comprehensive product training and received updates on current / future brand developments.more

In the wake of high-profile global ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and Petya, BT and KPMG have recently published a new cyber security report offering practical advice to businesses of all sizes on how best to manage their security journey and turn it into a business opportunity.

The new report, 'The cyber security journey - from denial to opportunity', warns businesses against falling into dangerous traps as they deal with the complexity of securing a digital enterprise.more

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British Ceramic Tile has launched an upgraded version of its website to better support retailers and consumers. Aspirational and informative, the newly revamped website is content-rich offering weekly updates on interior trends and real home makeovers, while providing a range of where to buy options including a 'find a retailer' facility.

Easy to navigate, the new site enables users to discover the company's product portfolio by need, filtering tile selection based on room, colour and style, to support consumers in their search for their ideal tile.more

Amica built-in and freestanding domestic appliances, Nottingham, has launched a new set of brochures and price lists.

The two Intelligent Style themed brochures are available as a 90-page full range edition which includes all cooking, hobs and hoods, cooling, dishwashing, and laundry products from built-in, built-under and freestanding categories and a 43-page freestanding only edition. Each Amica brochure is supported by a photographic trade price list.more

The VitrA Designer Collection has a new 450 page full-colour glossy brochure. The new perfect-bound 2017 directory provides the company's 180 plus specialist Showrooms of Excellence and contract customers with an easy-to-use bathroom manual each of VitrA's designer bathroom pieces.more